Currently, Bill C-27 would allow someone to obtain on request an explanations of automated decisions. We propose that this should go further, somewhat as you explained with the Quebec example.
First, it may be difficult for consumers to determine whether a decision concerning them was an automated decision. For example, when credit card applications are denied, no explanation is provided to the applicants that would let them know the decision concerning them may have been automated. Consequently, we would recommend that Bill C-27 provide for an obligation to inform consumers that the decision concerning them was an automated decision.
Then we could request that Bill C-27 provide that explanations be provided regarding that decision. An additional step would be to provide as well that a human being may review a decision made by an automated tool, somewhat as is possible in Quebec, so that person can make observations.
There have been media reports of cases in which people were denied credit because the information considered in making the decision included errors. The possibility that such decisions can be reviewed could therefore help avoid situations in which consumers are denied contracts or loans because the decisions concerning them were based on false information.